Heljan class 128 question
Heljan class 128 question
Two class 128 DPU arrived this morning. Included were a WR version and a Midland model. Both were impeccably presented with just one flaw in that a muffler exhaust pipe was broken off on one model (the non-corridor Midland version).
While both run extremely smoothly from zero volts up to their maximum speeds, the speed at full voltage is considerably slower than say a diesel model. Both run at basically the same top speed. Is it prototypical for this model to have a low speed at full voltage?
While both run extremely smoothly from zero volts up to their maximum speeds, the speed at full voltage is considerably slower than say a diesel model. Both run at basically the same top speed. Is it prototypical for this model to have a low speed at full voltage?
Re: Heljan class 128 question
Top speed of the real ones was 70 mph. I haven't run my 128 for a while but from memory, it was certainly able to reach a scale 70 mph, which really doesn't look very fast on a model railway.
Re: Heljan class 128 question
SRman,
many thanks. As both models have very similar top speeds I must assume that the relatively low top speed of the model is normal.
many thanks. As both models have very similar top speeds I must assume that the relatively low top speed of the model is normal.
Re: Heljan class 128 question
I did a few basic calculations and with a top speed of 70 mph, a model loco would need to traverse about one actual mile in one hour approximately. A quick check of my test track requires the loco to travel it in ten seconds approximately, which it does. Thus I am assuming that the loco is geared to achieve a scaled actual top speed of 70 mph. Even so, while not expecting slot car speeds, the top speed of the DPU does appear deceptively slow, even if correct.
- Metadyneman
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Re: Heljan class 128 question
I decided to take the plunge and buy one of these from Hattons seeing as they had dropped the price to less than £70. It arrived as a kit of parts with several detailing items having fallen off. I know of at least one other modeller who received one in the same condition. I don't mind putting them all back on again but i was wondering if anyone else's had arrived in the same condition?
If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side!
Re: Heljan class 128 question
Mine had a couple of the sandboxes floating separately in the box. They were easily glued back into place.
I have heard other stories of people receiving them with bits knocked off.
I have heard other stories of people receiving them with bits knocked off.
- Metadyneman
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Re: Heljan class 128 question
Yes the sandboxes had all fallen off, one of the gangway ends was loose as was one buffer and four items of underframe paraphernalia. I decided to fit the decoder before putting it all back on again
If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side!
Re: Heljan class 128 question
Definitely the way to go, Metadyneman!
Re: Heljan class 128 question
With both Rails and Hattons reducing the price drastically on these models, no doubt there will be an upsurge of interest in them. While a single car there is ample photographic evidence that these were used in conjunction with vans, dmu's and even on ballast trains in the West Country. Thus one is not limited to single car running.
I am looking at my options with a 'Scooby Doo', post office red and a green with whiskers.
I am looking at my options with a 'Scooby Doo', post office red and a green with whiskers.
Re: Heljan class 128 question
Good spot, I shall look at it as a potential mechanism donor.
Re: Heljan class 128 question
I've got 4 of them.
1x BR Blue with White roof
1x BR Blue
2x Royal mail of boths varients.
I fitted sound to one a little while ago and modified the lighting
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... =6&t=48034
1x BR Blue with White roof
1x BR Blue
2x Royal mail of boths varients.
I fitted sound to one a little while ago and modified the lighting
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... =6&t=48034
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Re: Heljan class 128 question
AFAIK the use with engineers' wagons was specially sanctioned for a limited period over Barmouth Bridge on the Cambrian line. Otherwise they were very versatile, as you say.GWR_fan wrote:While a single car there is ample photographic evidence that these were used in conjunction with vans, dmu's and even on ballast trains in the West Country. Thus one is not limited to single car running.
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Re: Heljan class 128 question
James,james2k wrote:.............I fitted sound to one a little while ago and modified the lighting
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Fo ... =6&t=48034
it looks like you placed two speakers in parallel. Was the second speaker essential as it is still only the one amplifier driving the second speaker?
Re: Heljan class 128 question
it does seem quite odd that when looking at Hattons weight listing for the Heljan class 128 #899X series, most items are around 910 - 920 gms each, however, #8992 is listed at 612 gms. No doubt this is a misprint and it should be 912 gms, but if shipping internationally, this anomaly could save a few dollars on shipping cost downunder. Alas, even though the least expensive it is not a model that I wish so any postage saving is purely academic.
Packaged weight on the Rails class 128 is closer to 1kg, as when purchasing two units one exceeds the magical 2 kg limit for shipping by Royal Mail and could lead to being charged courier delivery costs (about 50% more than sending the items individually by Royal Mail).
Packaged weight on the Rails class 128 is closer to 1kg, as when purchasing two units one exceeds the magical 2 kg limit for shipping by Royal Mail and could lead to being charged courier delivery costs (about 50% more than sending the items individually by Royal Mail).
Re: Heljan class 128 question
I could not let these deals pass me by so two DPU from Rails and a BR green version from Hattons are winging their way south. These are indeed very well executed models, although most arrive as a kit of parts as the fragile detail is not well glued. The most often part that separates is the sandboxes and from my reading the Midland and post office versions did not use sandboxes and the WR dispensed with them around 1979. Perhaps Heljan know more than most.